The AHA conducted a national survey of hospitals and health systems to assess the state of population health efforts in 2018. The survey, with responses from more than 1,000 hospitals and health systems, shows that while U.S. hospitals and health systems have embarked on their journeys to advance population health, there are opportunities to do more.

Key Insights:

  • A majority of U.S. hospitals and health systems are incorporating population health strategies to improve health outcomes for their patients and communities.
  • There is still work to do, particularly in measuring the impact of initiatives and sustaining success.

Key Stats:

  • 77% of respondents reported screening patients for social needs. Those who do screen reported screening patients for a broad range of needs.
  • 82% of respondents reported that population health management is reflected in their broader organizational strategies; 86% reported that community health is reflected.
  • 68% of respondents reported that while they employ community investment strategies, they don’t yet measure the returns generated on these investments.
  • 66% reported documenting patients’ social needs in the EHR.

Screening for Patients’ Needs

Percentage of respondents who reported screening patients for social determinants of health

Source: AHA 2018 Population Health, Equity and Diversity in Health Care Survey

AHA Population Health Framework

To support the field’s evolving work on incorporating population health strategies to improve health outcomes, the AHA developed a Population Health Framework, which organizes activities around four population health foundational capabilities:

  • Understanding populations
  • Engaging in new partnerships
  • Taking system-level action
  • Measuring and sustaining progress

Visit Population Health frequently for updates, curated tools and resources.